Kahf Launches IQRO' Redesign Project to Expand Qur'anic Literacy

Qur’anic reading literacy in Indonesia shows positive progress, yet significant room for strengthening remains. A national survey on the Qur’anic Literacy Index released by the Directorate General of Islamic Community Guidance at the Ministry of Religious Affairs (2023) recorded a national index score of 66.04, classified as high.

However, the same report reveals persisting disparities in the ability to read according to tajweed rules and reading fluency. This challenge affects not only children but also adults seeking to improve their recitation.

In response to this need, Kahf has introduced the IQRO’ Redesign Project, a visual refresh of the IQRO’ textbook created by KH As’ad Humam, which has served as the foundation for Qur’anic reading instruction across Indonesia for decades. The initiative was first presented at Kahf Ramadan Gathering, representing not a methodological change but an update to the visual approach to make it more relevant to contemporary contexts, without altering the original learning system widely recognised throughout Indonesia and Southeast Asia.

“This collaboration comes as an invitation to begin or continue the journey of Qur’anic reading. We understand that many adults feel hesitant and fearful of judgment when wanting to learn from the beginning,” said Kahf Brand Representative Billy Dharmawan in a written statement Saturday (28 February 2026). “For this reason, we want to present it in a more contextual format without changing its original essence,” he added.

The IQRO’ method, introduced in the 1980s, has helped millions of Indonesians learn Arabic letters and read the basic sequence systematically and practically. In this rebranding process, Kahf has ensured this legacy remains intact. The original handwritten script has been retained as the primary graphic element to preserve authenticity and historical value.

This edition references the Classical IQRO’ material, an accelerated format comprising volumes one through six, designed more concisely and densely.

This release marks the initial phase of ongoing development to continue in subsequent periods. Development was carried out by Kahf through collaboration with IQRO’ Yogyakarta and material guidance by the National Research and Development Centre LPTQ National Team Tadarus Center (CV Depot IQRO’ ‘AMM’) and design by Brand Consultant ‘AMM’ Yogyakarta.

“This initiative aligns with the goals of KH As’ad Humam and IQRO’ Centre in eliminating Qur’anic illiteracy, particularly among young generations. With this good intention, we welcome this idea positively and hope more people will continue to learn and improve their Qur’anic recitation,” said Creative Representative of IQRO’ Centre Saniko.

The Kahf IQRO’ Redesign Project employs a contemporary design approach with zine format, dynamic typography exploration, and flexible layout. However, the structure of letter introduction, classical learning system, and reading rules remain preserved according to the original method.

“The process of deconstructing the Classical IQRO’ book was done with great care. We used a ‘type as image’ concept approach because the original script already possesses strong character,” said Brand Designer Ibnu Hafiz Fadhilah. “The same applies to considerations of using the symbol of three students and the iconic photograph of KH As’ad Humam. These efforts were undertaken to combine two reinterpretations simultaneously: modernising IQRO’ without eliminating its authentic side, and expressing Kahf’s contextual design in responding to new brand experience mediums,” he added.

This concept affirms that IQRO’ is not merely a book for children or beginners, but rather a lifelong learning resource for anyone wishing to continuously improve their foundation in Qur’anic reading.

As part of the ‘Bener Bareng’ movement encouraging audiences to become better individuals during Ramadan, Kahf has brought the IQRO’ Redesign to public spaces and communities, introducing it globally, beginning from Makkah and Madinah, then continuing to London, New York, and Chiba through local Muslim community activations.

This step includes a mission to expand Qur’anic literacy spirit across generations and nations. The presence of Kahf IQRO’ Redesign this Ramadan marks Kahf’s long-term effort in expanding Qur’anic literacy in a contextual and inclusive manner across generations.